{"title":"Unveiling the Phytochemical and Bioactive Potential of Rhododendron anthopogonoides Flavonoids Through Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Extraction","authors":"Linyiyin Wang, Caiyun Xu, Yisheng Azuo, Liying Qiu, Zangjia Geng, Jiachuan Li, Laiming Li","doi":"10.3390/separations13080237","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13080237","url":null,"abstract":"This study developed an integrated process combining ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) with purification for the efficient recovery of bioactive flavonoids from Rhododendron anthopogonoides Maxim. (RA). Extraction conditions were optimized via Plackett–Burman screening followed by response surface methodology (RSM). Optimal conditions (enzyme dosage 30 mg/g, liquid-to-solid ratio 30:1 mL/g, 70% ethanol, 70 °C, ultrasonic power 490 W, extraction time 40 min) produced a total flavonoid yield of 13.56%. RSM established a reliable quadratic model (R2 = 0.9800), with artificial neural network cross-validation further validating the robustness of the optimized parameters. Notably, UAEE substantially outperformed conventional ultrasound-assisted extraction. Purification using AB-8 resin raised flavonoid purity to 25.4 ± 0.48%. SEM and FT-IR analyses revealed effective cell wall disruption while maintaining flavonoid structural integrity. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS identified 19 flavonoid compounds in the purified fraction. In vitro assays demonstrated that the purified flavonoids exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 28 µg/mL (DPPH), 38 µg/mL (ABTS+), and 43 µg/mL (•OH), corresponding to scavenging rates of 98.4%, 98.1%, and 94.2% at 200 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the purified flavonoids dose-dependently inhibited the release of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages at non-cytotoxic concentrations.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 8","pages":"237-237"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148861335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SeparationsPub Date : 2026-08-15DOI: 10.3390/separations13080232
Chuyue Zhang, Le Duan, Xu Wang, Lanlan Qiu, Deli Xiao
{"title":"Preparation of Polyamine-Silica Macrocyclic Chromatographic Stationary Phase for the Separation of Aromatic Compounds","authors":"Chuyue Zhang, Le Duan, Xu Wang, Lanlan Qiu, Deli Xiao","doi":"10.3390/separations13080232","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13080232","url":null,"abstract":"Reversed-phase chromatography stationary phases (such as C18) are widely used in commercial high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). However, when dealing with complex mixtures, they often exhibit limited separation capabilities and peak tailing phenomena. To address this problem, two novel HPLC stationary phases based on polyamine macrocycles were developed. A trianglamine macrocyclic stationary phase (TRI-Sil) was first prepared using chlorinated silica gel as the support, which can effectively separate a variety of aromatic compounds, but with limited selectivity for positional isomers such as phenylenediamine. To further improve the separation selectivity, a polyamine-silica macrocyclic stationary phase (CPAM-Sil) was synthesized by introducing a branched-chain-containing monomer. Under optimized conditions, CPAM-Sil achieved baseline separation of phenylenediamine and phenylenediol positional isomers and improved the separation of terphenyl isomers, with favorable asymmetry factors and high column efficiency compared with the commercial C18 column. Molecular docking confirmed multiple interactions such as electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding between the polyamine macrocycle (CPAM) and analytes. The CPAM-Sil column also exhibited good reproducibility and stability, showing promising potential for industrial application in chromatographic separation.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 8","pages":"232-232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148861334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Novel Photo-Responsive Molecularly Imprinted Silica as a Sustainable Solid-Phase Extraction Filler for Highly Selective Adsorption of Chlorogenic Acid","authors":"Ying Yang, Xiaofei Xie, Jingchang Zhang, Jirui Sui, Chuancheng Lin, Mingxing Li, Weixue Liu, Chunying Li, Chunjian Zhao","doi":"10.3390/separations13070200","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13070200","url":null,"abstract":"Chlorogenic acid (CA) is an important natural antioxidant component and holds strong potential for health food and cosmetic applications. In this study, a silica-based photo-responsive molecular imprinting material (PMI-PDA@NH2-SiO2) was designed as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorption filler and applied for the efficient separation of CA in Ficus carica L. Using polydopamine-modified NH2-SiO2 silica as the base, combined with the photo-responsive monomer 4-methacryloyloxyazobenzene (AZO-MAA), a molecular imprinting layer with photo-responsive regulation function was constructed. Under 365 nm ultraviolet light irradiation, the azobenzene group was isomerized to the cis structure, causing the imprint cavity to shrink, thereby enabling controlled release of CA, with complete desorption within 40 min, and a desorption rate of 94.33%. Importantly, the material retained 85.56% of its initial adsorption capacity and 91.38% of its original desorption efficiency after 6 consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles, confirming robust operational stability and reproducibility. PMI-PDA@NH2-SiO2 was applied to the extract of Ficus carica L., achieving an adsorption rate of 92.3% for CA and a desorption rate of 87.27%. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and NOESY spectroscopic analyses revealed that CA interacted with functional monomers via hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. This study advances a green separation strategy for bioactive phytochemicals in complex natural matrices.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 7","pages":"200-200"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148672251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SeparationsPub Date : 2026-06-16DOI: 10.3390/separations13060177
Ruiyang Chen, Jia QingHui, Anzhen Fu, Fan Yang, Yixin Dai, Jingzhe Sun, Liya Liu, Ye Liu, Shuang Bi
{"title":"Identification of Key Aroma-Active Compounds in Plum, Jujube, and Grape Extracts via GC×GC-O-TOF-MS, GC-MS, Aroma Recombination and Omission Tests","authors":"Ruiyang Chen, Jia QingHui, Anzhen Fu, Fan Yang, Yixin Dai, Jingzhe Sun, Liya Liu, Ye Liu, Shuang Bi","doi":"10.3390/separations13060177","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13060177","url":null,"abstract":"Fruity natural flavors are widely used in food, cosmetics, and tobacco products, and their flavor profiles directly affect the sensory quality of the final products. However, the volatile organic compound systems in these flavors are highly complex, and severe co-elution among volatile components makes effective component resolution a persistent analytical challenge. In this study, comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–olfactometry–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-O-TOF-MS) was employed to separate and identify volatile odor compounds in three natural fruit flavor extracts: plum, jujube, and grape. A total of 113, 103, and 85 volatile odor compounds were identified from the plum, jujube, and grape extracts, respectively. By progressively adjusting the split ratio, aroma extract dilution analysis was performed, leading to the screening of 14, 11, and 32 aroma-active compounds from the three extracts, respectively. Compounds with high flavor dilution factors were subjected to quantitative analysis, and their odor activity values were calculated. Subsequently, omission and recombination experiments were conducted to confirm the key aroma-active compounds in each extract. The results showed that octanal was a key aroma compound shared by the plum and jujube extracts, while ethyl cinnamate was common to both the plum and grape extracts. Through a molecular sensory science approach and utilizing GC×GC-O-TOF-MS chromatographic separation technology, this study provides a reliable analytical platform for aroma characterization in complex samples. It also establishes a critical theoretical and data foundation for precisely identifying key aroma-active components and implementing targeted aroma modulation to enhance the natural flavor quality of fruits.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 6","pages":"177-177"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/13/6/177/pdf?version=1781611966","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148394222","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SeparationsPub Date : 2026-06-01DOI: 10.3390/separations13060167
Yibo Bai, Rui Li, Liman Zheng, Yu Zhang, Huanlu Song, Jing Liu, Weining Huo, Wen Nie, Suyan Wan
{"title":"Flavor Changes Through the Fermentation Process of Longmen Rice Vinegar","authors":"Yibo Bai, Rui Li, Liman Zheng, Yu Zhang, Huanlu Song, Jing Liu, Weining Huo, Wen Nie, Suyan Wan","doi":"10.3390/separations13060167","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13060167","url":null,"abstract":"The flavor profile of Longmen rice vinegar directly influences consumer purchase intention, and understanding its variation during fermentation is crucial for final product quality control. In this study, the flavor dynamics during the fermentation of Longmen rice vinegar were systematically investigated. Sensory evaluation indicated that acidity increased significantly during the acetic acid fermentation stage, while alcoholic and fermented odors decreased continuously. Instrumental analysis identified 129 volatile compounds, predominantly esters, alcohols, and acids. Based on relative odor activity value (r-OAV) analysis, acetic acid, 3-methylbutyl acetate, 2,3-butanedione, benzeneacetaldehyde, phenethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, 2-phenylethyl acetate, ethyl 4-methyl-pentanoate, 3-methyl-1-butanol, and 3-methylbutanal were determined to be the major contributors to the overall aroma. Orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) further screened 21 key differential compounds. Significant variations in organic acid and amino acid contents during fermentation were also observed. Correlation analysis revealed relationships between key aroma compounds and organic, as well as amino, acids. These findings establish a foundation for monitoring flavor dynamics during the fermentation of Longmen rice vinegar.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 6","pages":"167-167"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148305735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SeparationsPub Date : 2026-04-09DOI: 10.3390/separations13040114
Haoqian Yan, GF Zhang, Li Ma
{"title":"Optimisation, Component Analysis, and Bioactivity Evaluation of Sunflower Calathide Flavonoids Obtained Using Ultra-High-Pressure Extraction","authors":"Haoqian Yan, GF Zhang, Li Ma","doi":"10.3390/separations13040114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13040114","url":null,"abstract":"This study aims to achieve the efficient preparation of sunflower calathide flavonoids (SCF) through optimized processes and to elucidate their composition and bioactivity. Total flavonoids were prepared by optimizing the ultra-high-pressure extraction (UHPE) process using a combination of single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, followed by purification and enrichment via macroporous resin. The components were identified with UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS technology, and their antioxidant activity and inhibitory capacity against xanthine oxidase (XOD) were systematically evaluated. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as follows: an extraction pressure of 290 MPa, a holding time of 8 min, an ethanol concentration of 67%, and a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:14 g/mL. Under these conditions, the total flavonoid extraction yield reached 13.52 mg/g, which was further enriched to 16.74 mg/g after purification by macroporous resin. A total of 32 flavonoid compounds were identified, and the purified extract exhibited stronger free radical scavenging ability, total reducing power, ferric ion reducing activity, and XOD inhibitory effect compared to the unpurified extract. The combination of UHPE with macroporous resin separation technology effectively enriches SCF, and the resulting extract possesses both antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities, providing a theoretical basis and technical support for its industrial production and application.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 4","pages":"114-114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/13/4/114/pdf?version=1775722419","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147877697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SeparationsPub Date : 2026-04-01DOI: 10.3390/separations13040110
Yan Fang, Yi Nan, Xijie Tian, George Zhang, X P Chen, Juan Song, Haizhen Liang, Baiping Ma
{"title":"Comprehensive Discovery and Characterization of Chemical Constituents in Huangqintang Decoction Using Off-Line Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry","authors":"Yan Fang, Yi Nan, Xijie Tian, George Zhang, X P Chen, Juan Song, Haizhen Liang, Baiping Ma","doi":"10.3390/separations13040110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13040110","url":null,"abstract":"Traditional Chinese prescriptions are characterized by complex chemical constituents and wide variations in constituent content, which pose a substantial challenge to their comprehensive characterization. As a classic traditional Chinese prescription known for its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties, Huangqintang Decoction (HQD) is composed of Scutellariae Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Jujubae Fructus. In this study, we developed an off-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography that addressed the limitations of traditional analysis of unfractionated extracts, such as restricted peak capacity, which often obscured trace components. By coupling with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS), this study successfully performed rapid identification or characterization of the complete chemical profile of HQD. Notably, beyond high-throughput identification, this approach leveraged characteristic fragment ions and reversed-phase chromatographic behaviors to differentiate some isomers of flavonoid glycosides and triterpenoid saponins, demonstrating its depth in structural identification. Flavonoid glycoside isomers were distinguished by diagnostic neutral losses, while flavanones and chalcones were characterized by retro-Diels–Alder (RDA) and β-rearrangement, respectively. Isomers of triterpenoid saponins were inferred from aglycone-specific pathways alongside RDA cleavages. Ultimately, a total of 192 compounds were identified, including 88 flavonoids, 80 triterpenoids, 7 monoterpene glycosides, 3 fatty acid amides, 3 phenylethanoid glycosides, 4 coumarins, 3 saccharides, 1 organic acid, and 3 others. This study demonstrated that the off-line two-dimensional liquid chromatography analysis strategy significantly enhanced chromatographic resolution and expanded the coverage of trace components. It presented an effective strategy for comprehensive compound identification in complex traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 4","pages":"110-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147878435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Determination of Benzo[a]pyrene in Edible Oil Using Nickel Oxide Deposited Silica-Based Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detector","authors":"Yuejiao Yang, Yingjie Guo, Guanglin Huang, Qiongwei Yu","doi":"10.3390/separations13030087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13030087","url":null,"abstract":"A simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for the determination of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in edible oil was developed and validated. Nickel oxide-deposited silica (SiO2@NiO) was employed as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent for the extraction of BaP from edible oil, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) analysis of BaP. The edible oil was diluted with n-hexane and directly loaded to SiO2@NiO for SPE. The n-hexane was also used to clean the fat-soluble interference substance in the edible oil, and BaP was selectively captured using SiO2@NiO through the electron donor–acceptor interaction. The SPE conditions, including the amount of adsorbent, volume of washing solvent, and type and volume of desorption solvent, were optimized. This SiO2@NiO-based SPE coupled with the HPLC-DAD method demonstrated good linearity within a BaP concentration range of 6–1875 ng/g in edible oils, with a limit of detection of 1.3 ng/g, spiked recovery of 97.4–105.1%, and relative standard deviation (RSD) of <3.0%. The method was applied to the analysis of BaP in 11 real oil samples (soybean oil, olive oil, corn germ oil, flaxseed oil, walnut oil, sunflower kernel oil, peanut oil, unrefined oil, and high-temperature frying oil), and the results show that the unrefined oil and high-temperature frying oil were at risk of BaP exceeding acceptable level.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 3","pages":"87-87"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/13/3/87/pdf?version=1772717735","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147878570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SeparationsPub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.3390/separations13020041
Hequan Zhu, Mustapha Muhammad Nasiru, Sijia Jiang, Yuetao Sun, Dan Liu, Chunyang Li
{"title":"Isolation, Structural Characterization, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight","authors":"Hequan Zhu, Mustapha Muhammad Nasiru, Sijia Jiang, Yuetao Sun, Dan Liu, Chunyang Li","doi":"10.3390/separations13020041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13020041","url":null,"abstract":"A novel polysaccharide from Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight was isolated, structurally characterized, and its antioxidant activity was evaluated. The crude extract was purified by ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography to obtain a homogeneous fraction, CAP2-1. CAP2-1 displayed a weight-average molecular mass of 184.17 kDa and is mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, and galacturonic acid. Structural analysis revealed that CAP2-1 is a highly branched acidic arabinogalactan-type polysaccharide with a backbone of →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→ units, and side chains enriched in α-L-arabino furanose residues. Ultrasonic degradation produced a lower-molecular-weight derivative, UCAP2-1, which exhibited significantly stronger free radical scavenging ability compared with CAP2-1 (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that molecular weight reduction enhances antioxidant properties by improving electron-donating capacity and accessibility to reactive sites. This study reveals the structure–antioxidant relationship of CAP2-1 and UCAP2-1 and highlights UCAP2-1 as a promising natural antioxidant.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 2","pages":"41-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/13/2/41/pdf?version=1769168616","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147381451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
SeparationsPub Date : 2026-01-15DOI: 10.3390/separations13010032
Ziqi Yang, Jian Li, Shuaiyi Ma, Zhen Wang
{"title":"Gas–Liquid Coalescing Filter with Wettability-Modified Gradient Pore Structure: Achieving Low Resistance, High Efficiency and Long Service Life","authors":"Ziqi Yang, Jian Li, Shuaiyi Ma, Zhen Wang","doi":"10.3390/separations13010032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13010032","url":null,"abstract":"Widely used in treating oil mist aerosols generated from metalworking processes, conventional gas–liquid coalescing filters face drawbacks such as increased energy consumption, performance limitations, and shortened service life due to high steady-state pressure drop. To address these issues, this study proposes an innovative design for a filter based on wettability-regulated gradient pore structure. Using glass fiber filter media with different pore size parameters as the substrate and incorporating an intermediate mesh layer, a three-layer filtration structure of “large-pore filtration layer—mesh layer—small-pore filtration layer” was constructed. The surface wettability of each layer was regulated by a self-developed surface modifier, producing gradient pore structure filters with different wettability configurations. The variations in key performance parameters, including steady-state pressure drop, filtration efficiency, saturation, and service life, were systematically evaluated for these configurations. Experimental results demonstrated that the configuration with an “oleophobic large-pore filtration layer—mesh layer—oleophilic small-pore filtration layer” yielded the best overall performance. Analysis based on the “jump-channel” model indicated that the gradient pore structure achieves progressive droplet filtration and optimizes droplet coalescence and capture through wettability differences. Consequently, while maintaining exceptional filtration efficiency (>99%), this configuration significantly reduces the steady-state pressure drop by over 34% and effectively extends the service life by more than 66%. This wettability-regulated gradient pore structure provides a novel technical pathway for addressing the challenges of balancing pressure drop and filtration efficiency, as well as extending the service life, in gas–liquid coalescing filters.","PeriodicalId":21833,"journal":{"name":"Separations","volume":"13 1","pages":"32-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.mdpi.com/2297-8739/13/1/32/pdf?version=1768476151","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147905588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}